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Living with Mental Illness

About Living with Mental Illness

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness every year. WQED Multimedia's "Living With Mental Illness" campaign is an ongoing commitment to explore various aspects of mental health, examine different illnesses, focus on new research and treatment, and introduce people who are living with mental illness. The multi-platform project is intended to raise awareness, showcase positive outcomes - and above all - end stigma. WQED thanks NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania for its guidance, as well as others who took part in the project and courageously shared their stories in the hope of helping others.

This online tool from Mental Health America might help determine if you are experiencing a mental health condition.

Before Stage Four:
Confronting Early Psychosis

Documentary Premiered March 30, 2017

First-time psychotic episodes are frightening, confusing and distressing for the entire family. Traditionally, teens and young adults experiencing first-episode psychosis (FEP) have been pulled out of school and/or society – only to begin a lifelong journey of spotty treatment, recurring episodes, and unfulfilled hopes of a career, happy marriage and children. But new research shows a significant success rate for people who receive proper, coordinated care after a first episode. This documentary shows who’s leading the FEP treatment movement, while families share personal stories of heartbreak, success and hope. The program also explores fascinating research on young adult brains that could lead to life-changing treatment of psychosis.

First-Episode Psychosis Webisodes

What is First-Episode Psychosis (FEP)?

In this web short, Dr. Melina Spyridaki-Dodd of Family Services of Western Pennsylvania explains “First-Episode Psychosis” and the process of diagnosing the illness. Also, Tina Grever, and her son Brice, who’s living with schizophrenia, share their experience with psychosis and talk about the importance of early diagnosis.

Premiered February 6, 2017

Access to Care for FEP

Dr. Spyridaki-Dodd describes how people involved in the FEP program help clients live more fulfilling lives. Tina and Brice talk about how his care team is helping him work to achieve his goals.

Premiered February 21, 2017

Medication & Treatment for FEP

In this webisode, Dr. Spyridaki-Dodd talks about why dealing with FEP involves a careful combination of medication and other forms of treatment. Tina and Brice share details of what has - and has not worked for him in dealing with his disease.

Premiered March 6, 2017

Building a Future of Strong Mental Health

Dr. Spyridaki-Dodd explains how treating psychosis early, can help an individual lead a productive life. Tina and Brice reveal their hopes for the future.

Explore Past Projects

WQED Multimedia's "Living With Mental Illness" campaign was launched in 2015 with support from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. The Highmark portion of the project included a documentary on anxiety, and webisodes exploring other mental illnesses including obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. There are also a series of web extras that feature expert advice on topics such as stigma, depression in specific age groups and anxiety among college students.